BERT MINUK

October 19, 2026

Bert Minuk, a beloved family patriarch, successful entrepreneur, and true mensch, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026. Bert was 98 years young.

Born in Winnipeg on February 3, 1928, Bert was the second son of Mandel and Lily Minuk. He grew up in a warm, loving home on Aberdeen Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End alongside his five siblings. A proud graduate of Machray School and St. John’s High, Bert became the first in his family to attend university, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in the early 1950s.

Alongside, brother Bill, Bert co-founded Park Realty in 1955, building it into a highly successful real estate brokerage, property management, and development company. The brothers shared an exceptional, lifelong partnership rooted in deep mutual respect and closeness. Bert successes in business continued as president of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board and been recognized by his peers for his 50-year membership in the organization.

Family was the cornerstone of Bert’s life. With his first wife, Lola (née Fashler), he had three sons: Randy, Earl, and Harvey. The family summers at Loni Beach, Gimli became legendary, filled with water sports, great food, and the joy Bert and Lola had watching their children and extended gatherings (‘Minuk-ing’) by the water and family cottages.

His wife, Lola, tragically passed away from breast cancer at age 52, after an eight-year battle. He took immense pride in his son’s achievements: Randy’s career as a criminal defense lawyer, Earl’s path as a prominent dermatologist, and Harvey’s success in construction and real estate. Bert was commonly seen at his son’s hockey practices and games, braving -40c temperatures but taking joy in his boy’s sporting exploits.

Later in life, Bert found love and happiness again when he married Marian. Together, they shared over 30 beautiful years traveling the world, exploring Israel, wintering in Florida, and building a joyful life together.

Bert was known for his kindness, his sharp humor, his bright eyes, and his absolute refusal to ever say a negative word about anyone. He faced profound losses with strength, supporting his family through the loss of his eldest son, Randy. He remained a constant, loving anchor for his daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, never missing a milestone event.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Lola; his second wife, Marian; his son Randy; his siblings Doris, Ruthie, Bill, Julius, and Sammy; and many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion. He is survived by his sons Earl and Harvey (Summer); his daughters-in-law Linda and Pam; his granddaughters Laura (Geoff), Leigh (Daniel), Ainsley (Foster), Lana (Jonah), Erin (Daniel), Melissa, and Cleo; and his wonderful great-grandsons Jack and Sasha

Bert led an exceptional life. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

Donations to the Bert Minuk and Randy Minuk Rady JCC Fund can be made by contacting the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba online; www.Jewishfoundation.org or calling 204-477-7520.

To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/

June 12, 1941 – November 4, 2026

Peacefully at age 85.

Predeceased by Maggie in 2014, his wife of over 50 years, his parents, Bobby and Tubby Rayter, sister-in-law Dale Rayter and brother-in-law Mel Frasier.

Barry leaves to mourn his children, Jason, Kelly and Scott; sister Sharon (Benson) Labinsky; brothers, Bailey (Karen), Mark, and Ian (Lynnie) Rayter; brother-in-law David (Marilyn) Coubrough; nephews and nieces, Jordan (Shari), Brent (Tammy), and Ellen (Simon) Labinsky; Lindsay (Tyler) and Mika (Keith) Rayter; Jared and Aaron (Wendy) Rayter; Bill (Susan) and Joy Coubrough; and many more great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Barry also leaves behind dear friends Winnie and Jim McPhee and their children, Terry Lynn (Dave), Michelle (Rob), Jim, Colleen, and Lisa (Dwaine) and their children. He was predeceased by his close colleagues Tom Dobbs and Ross McIntyre and dear friends Keith and Joan Thompson, who are survived by their surviving children Rob, Margot and Chris.

The help, support and friendship from many people have meant a great deal to both Barry and his family, including Beddie Nagle, Imelda Horbas, Julie Clark, Pam Swystun, Ryan Cormack, Neil Wilson, Laurie Lebel, Pat Karpasho, Kelly Wiebe and Mike Loyd.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Joel Gingerich and the staff at both CancerCare Manitoba and Park Manor Care Home.

Barry grew up surrounded by a large and close family, first on Aberdeen, then on Mountain and Inkster, attending Peretz School, St. John’s, and then on to University of Manitoba where he studied Dentistry before opening a practice of over 45 years in East Kildonan, first on Watt Steet and then on Henderson Highway.

Barry was committed to the care and well-being of his patients, their families and to the profession, assuming the presidency of the Manitoba Dental Association in 1996 and serving as chair of the economics committee for over 30 years, he was recognized for his service including the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Density’s Alumni of Distinction Award in 2013 and he was the first inductee into the Manitoba Dental Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

After his years as a general practitioner, Barry joined the academic staff at the Faculty of Dentistry, assisting and teaching in several areas including the Emergency Clinic, making a lasting impression on the many students he taught and mentored – work he found richly rewarding and forming ongoing friendships with students who went on to work in the field, always available for guidance, offering advice, a caring ear, a free lunch, and a good joke.

Barry had both a keen aesthetic sense and skill as a visual artist, and the family home was filled with his many drawings, paintings and sketches. He also had a strong musical ear and could sit down at the piano and play a tune he had only just heard. He loved all kinds of music, including opera (which he attended with Winnie and Jim McPhee), classical, but also pop and rock and took his kids to concerts such as Supertramp, The Police, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Styx and many more. He read widely, including fiction, history, travel literature, nature, and art.

Anyone who knew Barry can attest to his ability to tell and appreciate a good joke – all of which reflected his affable nature and his optimistic outlook on life.

Barry carried on the values his parents instilled in their children, including their generosity and kindness to those in need. He was caring and attentive to his patients and devoted to the learning experience of his students, who in turn would become excellent care providers. His presence in his family, community and profession were profound and we will all miss him dearly.

Service at Chesed Shel Emes (1023 Main St.), 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026 followed by burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park (2795 Main St.). Shiva at 59 Vanier Drive following burial, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Monday, November 9, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Bailey, Mark, Ian, Jared, and Aaron Rayter and Simon Flesischer.

Donations can be made to https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/donate/ (Dale Rayter GD6 Nursing Education Fund) at the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, or charity of your choice.